Nathan Curtis and Jack Cowgill scored in either half as Emley AFC won 2-0 at Bridlington Town to move up to second in the Northern Premier League Division 1 East.
Curtis put the visitors ahead in the 5th minute when he headed home at the far post and Cowgill sealed it 10 minutes after the re-start.
The Pewits showed resilience and clinical finishing in a game where their defensive organisation and individual quality shone through, ensuring they remain unbeaten on the road this season.
Emley are now two points behind leaders Cleethorpes.
With Emley 1-0 up at the break they had to weather some pressure just into the second half with keeper Dec Lambton pulling off a good save.
Centre-back Cowgill, however, made the game a little more comfortable when he headed home Ross Hardaker’s corner in the 56th minute.
Emley manager Richard Tracey introduced new signing Belchior Rodrigues on the hour and the debutant quickly made an impact, tormenting the Bridlington defence and winning a corner within two minutes of his arrival.
Rodrigues’s lively presence, combined with the skill of Amir Berchil and the industrious midfield, kept Emley on the front foot.
Despite late pressure from Bridlington, Emley’s defence remained unyielding, with Adam Clayton and Lambton combining to shut down the hosts’ best opportunities.
Rodrigues, signed from Consett AFC, almost capped his debut with a goal in stoppage time but the keeper saved.
Emley host local rivals Liversedge at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground on Saturday December 7 (3.00).
